Review: Antony and Cleopatra

Julius Caesar is dead, and the Roman Empire is ruled by a triumvirate: Octavius Caesar, Lepidus and Marc Antony. While the other two rule their regions, Antony neglects his duties (and his wife) to take up with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt.

The scandalous affair between Antony and Cleopatra is given new life here. Ryan Snyder is assured in a role that requires him to be both warrior and hopelessly mesmerized lover, while Imani Mitchell captures the elements of Cleopatra as lover, leader and, when it’s called for, jealous schemer. There is palpable chemistry between the two actors.

Zachary Scovel is an aloof but assured Octavius; Michael O’Sullivan is Lepidus, whose fate at the hands of Octavius shows how ruthless a ruler can be. As Enobarbus, loyal friend of Marc Antony, Steven Campbell’s performance is often brilliant. The entire cast delivers perhaps the most naturally spoken Shakespearean dialogue as has been heard here.

This Big Idea Theatre production is an ingeniously and simply designed play. Its stage is defined by columns (with sheer panels attached) on moveable dollies with boxes as props. The set design is by Liz Hadden McGuire; the stunning lighting design is by director Benjamin T. Ismail. It’s the costumes—credited to Mr. David—that are sometimes oddly distracting. For example, Antony’s and his men’s pants sag in the seat creating an unfortunate droopy drawers effect.